The 2024 program application is now closed. The 2025 program application will be available in spring of 2025.
The 2024 Ohio Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) helps provide low-income older adults access to fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey through farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
Eligible participants receive $50 in benefits to use at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Click here to download a list of partners.
The Ohio Department on Aging (ODA) has made some changes this year to how the program is administered and vouchers redeemed. Beginning with the SFMNP 2024 season, the program will use a new e-solution called “Homegrown Benefits” to redeem the vouchers in collaboration with the ODA.
Homegrown Benefits is an app that program participants will be required to use to redeem their benefits when shopping at participating farmers’ markets. There will be no paper coupons provided as in the past.
ODA moved to the Homegrown Benefits program to improve efficiencies, reach more older adults, expand the service area and sustain the program into the future.
Program eligibility
The program is available to applicants who are 60 or older, residents of Ohio and have an annual household income that is less than 185% of the poverty level (see 2024 qualifying household income levels).
Each eligible older adult in a household may apply. Applicants do not have to be COA clients. All past participants must apply yearly. COA’s role will be to assist those in our service area to determine if they are eligible for the program and to assist with completing the application if needed.
SFMNP Application
The Ohio Department of Aging will host the online application for SFMNP.
Online Application Process
Step 1: Complete online application on ODA website
- All past participants and new applicants must apply through the application link.
- The electronic application with your email address is the most efficient way to apply and get approved for the SFMNP.
- Once the online application is complete, ODA will email a notification of approval for the program. The email will come from support@homegrownbenefits.com and will include a link for registration.
Step 2: Register account
- The notification approval email from support@homegrownbenefits.com will include a link to activate one’s account.
- A step-by-step guide on how to register your account will be linked in the approval email. Accounts must be registered before use.
- Participants can either set up an online account or download the “Homegrown Benefits for eFMNP” app from their phone app store (supported by Android and Apple phones).
- The Homegrown Benefits for the eFMNP app will be used to check coupon balances and will be used to redeem coupons for produce.
Ohio Homegrown Benefits Support Line
Participants use this number for questions about the mobile benefit process, request email confirmation and check benefits balance.
- 614-412-1729 – toll free
- Monday – Friday 10 am – 7 pm
- Weekends 8 am – 5 pm
What if an older adult is unable to get to a market or farm stand to shop?
When applying, an older adult may list an authorized shopper/proxy who will be permitted to pick up the produce for them. One person may shop for up to two other people.
What types of foods are part of the program?
Eligible foods include locally grown, fresh vegetables, fresh cut herbs, fruits and honey. View the SFMNP Eligible Food List.
What if I have questions or need assistance?
If you have questions or need assistance, please call COA at (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155 and select Option 2. Or you may send an email.